Completing the Level 3 Diploma in Nursing Assistant Training opens the door to a wide range of rewarding patient-facing roles across the UK healthcare sector. Graduates often progress into the following positions:
Nursing Assistant / Nursing Support Worker
Support patients with daily care, mobility, nutrition, and emotional well-being while assisting nursing staff with routine clinical tasks in hospitals, clinics, and community services.
Typical UK salary: £20,000 – £24,000 per year.
Healthcare Assistant (HCA)
Work alongside nurses and multidisciplinary teams, supporting patient care, documentation, and infection control activities within NHS wards, outpatient clinics, and GP practices.
Typical UK salary: £20,300 – £24,300 per year (NHS Band 2–3).
Clinical Support Worker
Assist registered nurses with basic clinical duties such as observations, reporting changes in patient condition, and supporting safe care delivery in hospital or specialist units.
Typical UK salary: £22,000 – £24,300 per year (Band 2–3).
Community Care Assistant
Provide support to individuals in their own homes, helping with daily personal care, medication prompts, meal preparation, and well-being monitoring.
Typical UK salary: £18,000 – £22,500 per year.
Care Assistant (Residential or Domiciliary)
Help residents with personal care, hygiene routines, mobility, and daily activities in care homes or supported living environments.
Typical UK salary: £17,000 – £23,000 per year.
Support Worker (Mental Health or Learning Disabilities)
Assist individuals who require additional emotional, behavioural, or daily living support in community teams, supported accommodation, or mental health services.
Typical UK salary: £19,000 – £25,000 per year.
Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)
Although the role of Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) does not exist in the UK, Nursing Assistants, HCAs, and Clinical Support Workers carry out similar responsibilities within NHS and social care settings.
Nursing Assistant Salary Expectations
Earnings vary depending on location, employer, and experience. Typical salary ranges include:
NHS Band 2: £20,300 – £22,400
NHS Band 3: £22,400 – £24,300
Care Home & Community Support Roles: £17,000 – £23,000
Senior or Specialist Support Roles: £24,000 – £28,000
Progression to Band 3 is common for individuals who demonstrate competence, reliability, and commitment to ongoing professional development.
Pathway for Progression
This Level 3 diploma provides the essential theoretical foundation for patient-facing roles and supports long-term development in health and social care. Many learners use this qualification to progress toward:
Senior Healthcare Assistant or Clinical Support Worker roles
Specialist support roles (mental health, dementia, community care)
Nursing apprenticeships
Foundation degrees in health and social care
Undergraduate nursing programmes
With experience and further training, learners can continue building a meaningful career and explore advanced pathways within the NHS or wider care sector.